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HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
The gardens and children’s fun house at Reid’s Palace > Kids club for ages 3-9 > A trip on the replica of Columbus’ ship, the Santa Maria > Beautiful natural scenery > The markets of Funchal

Isolated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the island of Madeira is really the tip of a huge, mostly submerged, and now dormant volcano. Because its shores are washed by the same Gulf Stream that eventually makes its way up to the British Isles, Madeira enjoys a wonderful sub-tropical climate that makes it an ideal outdoor destination all year round.

The island may lack sandy beaches, but it makes up for it with spectacular scenery and there are all kinds of outdoor pursuits on offer, from mountain biking, paragliding and big-game fishing to the hundreds of miles of scenic hiking trails based on ancient irrigation channels that criss-cross the mountain slopes.

One activity you won’t find anywhere else in the world is the carro de cesto. This involves a hair-raising descent from the small town of Monte (reached by cable-car) in a sort of wicker toboggan. Controlled by two ‘drivers’ who run alongside, this three-mile joyride through the steep streets lasts about 20 minutes.

Other activities include a boat trip to see the 600-metre tall sea cliffs of Cabo Girào, the second highest in the world (the highest are in Hawaii) and whale and dolphin-watching trips. Sperm whales (like Moby Dick) fin whales (the second largest species after the blue whale) and pilot whales can all be seen in the waters around Madeira.

The attractions of Funchal, Madeira’s attractive and largely pedestrianised capital, include colourful markets selling everything from fresh fish to local crafts, and tours of the wine lodges where Madeira’s most famous export is made. On New Year’s Eve, the city also hosts the largest fireworks display in the world.

For families, the best place to stay is Reid’s Palace, a Madeira landmark with an oceanfront location on the edge of Funchal. Captain Scott and Winston Churchill are among the famous names that have stayed here over the years. Recently given a complete makeover, the hotel has ten acres of gardens, three swimming pools (one specially for kids), two tennis courts, a brand new spa, a billiards room, a choice of restaurants and a thatched children’s fun house in the grounds.

Windsurfing, scuba diving and jeep safaris to explore the rugged side of Madeira are among the activities on offer at Reid’s. Another great activity for families is a trip on a replica of Christopher Columbus’ ship, the Santa Maria (Columbus once lived on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo).

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ADDITIONAL PARENT- RELEVANT INFORMATION

Each child receives a drawing kit with a set of pencils on arrival; the youngest ones receive a teddy bear as well. Child minders to supervise children's dining and children’s menus at the restaurants.

English-language cartoon channel in the rooms.
Video player in each room, with children's video-cassettes available at reception.

Fun house in the grounds (for ages 3-9), with children’s pool, playground, computer games & traditional games & toys.

Organised children's programmes also available.
Two all-weather tennis courts, with coaching available. Babysitting

PRICE
Is based on 2 connecting Superior rooms for 4 nights on B&B basis with flights from Gatwick and transfers included